insects

Ticks might seem like fairly innocuous, if annoying, insects, but these arachnids often carry dangerous diseases that can lead to chronic illness.

June is one of my favorite months. While April and May bring the promise of buds (and sometimes May gardening is plain delightful), June brings flowers: showy rhododendron, brilliant iris, scented lilac, and delicate poppies burst into bloom. Across the country temperatures begin to rise and days get longer, meaning early sunrise watering sessions or late-night tea out on the deck.

Protein powder has been controversial in the past few years, not necessarily because of what it does—provide a solid dose of protein for post-workout nutrition or those who struggle to get in adequate amounts for various reasons—but because of how it’s made and, more specifically, what it’s made from. 

The zinnia is a member of the Family Asteraceae, which includes the Aster and contains seven species. It is an annual that is native to Mexico and is found from the southern United States to Chile.

Geraniums belong to the genus Geranium L. – Geranium P. which contains forty-four species. The plant is native to South Africa and can be found throughout the world in temperate regions and tropical mountains. They grow prolifically in the eastern Mediterranean.

With the amazing summer climate, many of us find ourselves outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. We are not alone in this enjoyment – insects will also be out and about more often. Occasionally, we humans and insects hang out in the same area, which sometimes leads to bites and stings.

There are many plants and herbs in Mother Earth's aresenal that repel bugs.  Here are some of our favorites! All of these plants are amazing options for all-natural bug repellents.  All of these plants, aside from the garlic, can be planted in and around your yard to keep the insects further away from your home.

So you want to grow your own food? Organically? Great idea! 

Right up until a hornworm eats your tomatoes... 

Meet Manduca sexta, also known as a Tobacco worm, also know as a hornworm, also known as the One Worm To Rule Them All. Oh it looks cute enough, but don't let its cute little head fool you (the head is the thing on the left side), it will annihilate your tomato plants.

Spring is officially here, and as the days get warmer, the bugs come out.  Sure, we know that some insects are useful – they provide food for birds and help pollinate plants, for example.  But as the recent fears over Zika virus have shown us, the increased presence of mosquitos can threaten our health, in addition to being an annoyance.   

Luckily, there are plenty of options for natural mosquito repellents you can use to protect yourself.